The Hilo metro is home to 203,684 people (up 3.0% over five years), with a median household income of $77,215. Typical rent of $2,562/month works out to 39.8% of the median household income — above the 30% affordability threshold, a strain signal (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of Hilo's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Education & health care | 21.9% |
| Arts, food & hospitality | 16.2% |
| Retail trade | 12.1% |
| Professional & management | 10.9% |
| Construction | 8.1% |
Education & health care is the metro's largest employment base — sectors like education and health care are recession-resilient anchors for rental demand.
Rents at 39.8% of median income leave little headroom — expect tenant price sensitivity. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the Hilo market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $2,562/month suggests a household income around $102,000/year. The metro's median household income is $77,215.
By workforce share: Education & health care (21.9%), Arts, food & hospitality (16.2%), Retail trade (12.1%) (Census ACS 5-year).